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Hanafy MS, Cui Z. Connexin-Containing Vesicles for Drug Delivery. AAPS J 2024; 26:20. [PMID: 38267725 DOI: 10.1208/s12248-024-00889-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Connexin is a transmembrane protein present on the cell membrane of most cell types. Connexins assemble into a hexameric hemichannel known as connexon that pairs with another hemichannel present on a neighboring cell to form gap junction that acts as a channel or pore for the transport of ions and small molecules between the cytoplasm of the two cells. Extracellular vesicles released from connexin-expressing cells could carry connexin hemichannels on their surface and couple with another connexin hemichannel on a distant recipient cell to allow the transfer of the intravesicular content directly into the cytoplasm. Connexin-containing vesicles can be potentially utilized for intracellular drug delivery. In this review, we introduced cell-derived, connexin-containing extracellular vesicles and cell-free connexin-containing liposomes, methods of preparing them, procedures to load cargos in them, factors regulating the connexin hemichannel activity, (potential) applications of connexin-containing vesicles in drug delivery, and finally the challenges and future directions in realizing the promises of this platform delivery system for (intracellular) drug delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahmoud S Hanafy
- Division of Molecular Pharmaceutics and Drug Delivery, College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
| | - Zhengrong Cui
- Division of Molecular Pharmaceutics and Drug Delivery, College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA.
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2
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Kim SY, Jo MJ, Yoon MS, Jin CE, Shin YB, Lee JM, Shin HJ, Oh JG, Cho JM, Kim H, Park H, Choi YW, Park CW, Kim JS, Shin DH. Gemcitabine and rapamycin-loaded mixed polymeric thermogel for metastatic pancreatic cancer therapy. J Control Release 2023; 360:796-809. [PMID: 37437850 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2023.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Revised: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is the 4th leading cause of cancer-related death and has a poor 5-year overall survival. The superior therapeutic benefits of combination or co-administration of drugs as intraperitoneal chemotherapy have increased interest in developing strategies to deliver chemotherapeutic agents to patients safely. In this study, we prepared a gel comprising the thermosensitive poly(lactide-co-glycolide)-b-poly(ethylene glycol)-b-poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA-PEG-PLGA) polymer and gemcitabine (GEM), which is currently used as the primary chemotherapy for PDAC and rapamycin (RAPA), a mammalian TOR (mTOR) inhibitor, to deliver the drug through intraperitoneal injection. We performed in vitro cytotoxicity experiments to verify the synergistic effects of the two drugs at different molar ratios and characterized the physicochemical properties of the GEM, RAPA, and GEM/RAPA-loaded thermosensitive PLGA-PEG-PLGA gels, hereafter referred to as (g(G), g(R), and g(GR)), respectively. The g(GR) comprising PLGA-PEG-PLGA polymer (25% w/v) and GEM and RAPA at a molar ratio of 11:1 showed synergism and was optimized. An in vitro cytotoxicity assay was performed by treating Panc-1-luc2 tumor spheroids with g(G), g(R), or g(GR). The g(GR) treatment group showed a 2.75-fold higher inhibition rate than the non-treated (NT) and vehicle-treated groups. Furthermore, in vivo drug release assay in mice by intraperitoneal injection of g(G), g(R), or g(GR) showed a more rapid release rate of GEM than RAPA, similar to the in vitro release pattern. The drugs in the gel were released faster in vivo than in vitro and degraded in 48 h. In addition, g(GR) showed the highest anti-tumor efficacy with no toxicity to mice. These results provide evidence for the safety and efficacy of g(GR) for intraperitoneal drug delivery. This study will assist in developing and clinically administering topical anti-cancer formulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seo Yeon Kim
- College of Pharmacy, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28160, Republic of Korea
| | - Min Jeong Jo
- College of Pharmacy, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28160, Republic of Korea
| | - Moon Sup Yoon
- College of Pharmacy, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28160, Republic of Korea
| | - Chae Eun Jin
- College of Pharmacy, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28160, Republic of Korea
| | - Yu Been Shin
- College of Pharmacy, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28160, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae Min Lee
- College of Pharmacy, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28160, Republic of Korea
| | - Hee Ji Shin
- College of Pharmacy, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28160, Republic of Korea
| | - Joon Gyo Oh
- R&D Center, Huons Co., Ltd., Ansan, 15588, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae Min Cho
- R&D Center, Huons Co., Ltd., Ansan, 15588, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyunjun Kim
- R&D Center, Huons Co., Ltd., Ansan, 15588, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyunjin Park
- R&D Center, Huons Co., Ltd., Ansan, 15588, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong-Won Choi
- R&D Center, Huons Co., Ltd., Ansan, 15588, Republic of Korea
| | - Chun-Woong Park
- College of Pharmacy, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28160, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin-Seok Kim
- Drug Information Research Institute (DIRI), College of Pharmacy, Sookmyung Women's University, Seoul 04310, Republic of Korea
| | - Dae Hwan Shin
- College of Pharmacy, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28160, Republic of Korea.
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3
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Field carcinogenesis and biological significance of the potential of the bystander effect: carcinogenesis, therapeutic response, and tissue regeneration. Surg Today 2022; 53:545-553. [PMID: 35576018 DOI: 10.1007/s00595-022-02524-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
The "bystander effect" is a transmission phenomenon mediating communication from target to non-target cells, as well as cell-to-cell interactions between neighboring and distantly located cells. In this narrative review, we describe the fundamental and clinical significance of the bystander effect with respect to cell-to-cell interactions in carcinogenesis, therapeutic response, and tissue regeneration. In carcinogenesis, the bystander effect mediates communications between tumor microenvironments and non-malignant epithelial cells and has been suggested to impact heterogeneous tumorigenic cells in tumors and cancerized fields. In therapeutic response, the bystander effect mediates communications between drug-sensitive and drug-resistant cells and may transmit both drug efficacy and resistance. Therefore, control of therapeutic response transmission via the bystander effect might offer a promising future cancer treatment. Finally, in tissue regeneration, circulating cells and stromal cells may differentiate into various cells for the purpose of tissue regeneration under direction of the bystander effect arising from surrounding cells in a defective space. We hope that the findings we present will promote the development of innovative cancer therapies and tissue regeneration methodologies from the viewpoint of cell-to-cell interactions through the bystander effect.
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Citrus Flavone Tangeretin Inhibits CRPC Cell Proliferation by Regulating Cx26, AKT, and AR Signaling. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2022; 2022:6422500. [PMID: 35111229 PMCID: PMC8803427 DOI: 10.1155/2022/6422500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Prostate cancer (PCa) progression depends on the action of androgen receptors (AR). Therefore, preventing ligand-mediated activation of AR is the first-line treatment strategy for metastatic PCa. Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) can inhibit ligand binding to AR and alleviate PCa progression initially. However, due to the adaptation of PCa and recovery of AR signaling, castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) eventually develops. Exploring novel dietary compounds that can target AR signaling appears to be a viable alternative therapeutic option for CRPC. In the present study, compounds from the citrus fruits were focused upon, which contain various flavonoid ingredients. Key components contained within orange peel, which is frequently used in traditional Chinese medicine, and downstream targets were first analyzed using network pharmacology approach. Notably, it was found that tangeretin, an active ingredient from orange peel, can significantly inhibit CRPC cell (C4-2 and Du145 cells) proliferation and migration whilst also synergistically increasing the sensitivity of CRPC cells to anti-tumor drugs sorafenib or cisplatin. Tangeretin also significantly reduced AR and AKT expressions in C4-2 cells and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 expression in the androgen-insensitive cell line Du145. In addition, tangeretin increased the expression of both connexin26 (Cx26) and gap junction function, which may mediate the bystander effects of cisplatin or sorafenib. Taken together, the present study revealed a novel molecular mechanism by which tangeretin may inhibit the proliferation of CRPC cells, by affecting the Cx26/AKT/AR pathway, to synergistically increase the sensitivity of CRPC cells to sorafenib and cisplatin.
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Cx43 phosphorylation sites regulate pancreatic cancer metastasis. Oncogene 2021; 40:1909-1920. [PMID: 33603164 PMCID: PMC8191514 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-021-01668-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2020] [Revised: 01/03/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) is aggressive, highly metastatic and characterized by a robust desmoplasia. Connexin proteins that form gap junctions have been implicated in tumor suppression for over 30 years. Cx43, the most widely expressed connexin, regulates cell behaviors, including migration and proliferation. Thus, we hypothesized that Cx43 could regulate PDA progression. Phosphorylation of Cx43 by Casein Kinase 1 (CK1) regulates gap junction assembly. We interbred the well-established KrasLSL-G12D/+;p48Cre/+ (KC) mouse model of PDA with homozygous "knock-in" mutant Cx43 mice bearing amino acid substitution at CK1 sites (Cx43CK1A) and found profound and surprising effects on cancer progression. Crossing the Cx43CK1A mouse onto the KC background (termed KC;CxCK1A) led to significant extension of lifespan, from a median of 370 to 486 days (p = 0.03) and a decreased incidence of metastasis (p = 0.045). However, when we examined early stages of disease, we found more rapid onset of tissue remodeling in the KC;CxCK1A mouse followed by divergence to a cystic phenotype. During tumorigenesis, gap junctions are increasingly present in stromal cells of the KC mice but are absent from the KC;Cx43CK1A mice. Tail vein metastasis assays with cells derived from KC or KC;CxCK1A tumors showed that KC;CxCK1A cells could efficiently colonize the lung and downregulate Cx43 expression, arguing that inhibition of metastasis was not occurring at the distal site. Instead, stromal gap junctions, their associated signaling events or other unknown Cx43-dependent events facilitate metastatic capacity in the primary tumor.
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Antagonistic Functions of Connexin 43 during the Development of Primary or Secondary Bone Tumors. Biomolecules 2020; 10:biom10091240. [PMID: 32859065 PMCID: PMC7565206 DOI: 10.3390/biom10091240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Revised: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite research and clinical advances during recent decades, bone cancers remain a leading cause of death worldwide. There is a low survival rate for patients with primary bone tumors such as osteosarcoma and Ewing’s sarcoma or secondary bone tumors such as bone metastases from prostate carcinoma. Gap junctions are specialized plasma membrane structures consisting of transmembrane channels that directly link the cytoplasm of adjacent cells, thereby enabling the direct exchange of small signaling molecules between cells. Discoveries of human genetic disorders due to genetic mutations in gap junction proteins (connexins) and experimental data using connexin knockout mice have provided significant evidence that gap-junctional intercellular communication (Gj) is crucial for tissue function. Thus, the dysfunction of Gj may be responsible for the development of some diseases. Gj is thus a main mechanism for tumor cells to communicate with other tumor cells and their surrounding microenvironment to survive and proliferate. If it is well accepted that a low level of connexin expression favors cancer cell proliferation and therefore primary tumor development, more evidence is suggesting that a high level of connexin expression stimulates various cellular process such as intravasation, extravasation, or migration of metastatic cells. If so, connexin expression would facilitate secondary tumor dissemination. This paper discusses evidence that suggests that connexin 43 plays an antagonistic role in the development of primary bone tumors as a tumor suppressor and secondary bone tumors as a tumor promoter.
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Cai W, Geng C, Jiang L, Sun J, Chen B, Zhou Y, Yang B, Lu H. Encapsulation of gemcitabine in RGD-modified nanoliposomes improves breast cancer inhibitory activity. Pharm Dev Technol 2020; 25:640-648. [PMID: 32028816 DOI: 10.1080/10837450.2020.1727920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2019] [Revised: 02/06/2020] [Accepted: 02/06/2020] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
In this study, RGD coated GEM liposomes were prepared by the emulsification-solvent evaporation method. The in vitro and in vivo characterizations were done to evaluate the feasibility of application. The mean particle size of the prepared liposomes was found to be 165.6 ± 15.7 nm. The entrapment efficiency and drug loading of the formulation were 82.4% ± 7.2% and 10.1% ± 1.4%, respectively. The liposomes were negatively charged with a zeta potential of -25.8 mV. The surface morphology of RGD-GEM liposomes was spherical and smooth. After three months of storage at different conditions, lyophilized liposomes appeared to be stable since they showed no collapse or contraction. The Weibull model was the most appropriate kinetic model for RGD-GEM liposomes, showing that the release of GEM from the liposomes was in the manners of both dissolution and diffusion. In vivo, the additive cytotoxicity of RGD-GEM-LPs in our study was caused by the presence of RGD which is more effective in the treatment of breast cancer devoid of toxicity to normal cells. Liposomes could also significantly extend the role of GEM in vivo and showed higher bioavailability than solution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Cai
- Department of Oncology, Suzhou Ninth People's Hospital, Suzhou, China
| | - Chunyan Geng
- Department of Oncology, Suzhou Ninth People's Hospital, Suzhou, China
| | - Lei Jiang
- Department of Oncology, Suzhou Ninth People's Hospital, Suzhou, China
| | - Jingping Sun
- Department of Oncology, Suzhou Ninth People's Hospital, Suzhou, China
| | - Bin Chen
- Department of Oncology, Suzhou Ninth People's Hospital, Suzhou, China
| | - Ying Zhou
- Department of Oncology, Suzhou Ninth People's Hospital, Suzhou, China
| | - Binfeng Yang
- Department of Oncology, Suzhou Ninth People's Hospital, Suzhou, China
| | - Hailin Lu
- Department of Oncology, Suzhou Ninth People's Hospital, Suzhou, China
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8
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Inhibition of miR30a-3p by sulforaphane enhances gap junction intercellular communication in pancreatic cancer. Cancer Lett 2020; 469:238-245. [DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2019.10.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2019] [Revised: 10/15/2019] [Accepted: 10/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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9
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Higuchi T, Yokobori T, Takahashi R, Naito T, Kitahara H, Matsumoto T, Kakinuma C, Hagiwara S, Kuwano H, Shirabe K, Asao T. FF-10832 enables long survival via effective gemcitabine accumulation in a lethal murine peritoneal dissemination model. Cancer Sci 2019; 110:2933-2940. [PMID: 31278877 PMCID: PMC6726679 DOI: 10.1111/cas.14123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2019] [Revised: 06/17/2019] [Accepted: 07/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Chemotherapy has been the treatment of choice for unresectable peritoneal dissemination; however, it is difficult to eradicate such tumors because of poor drug delivery. To solve this issue, we developed FF‐10832 as liposome‐encapsulated gemcitabine to maintain a high concentration of gemcitabine in peritoneal tumors from the circulation and ascites. A syngeneic mouse model of peritoneal dissemination using murine Colon26 cell line was selected to compare the drug efficacy and pharmacokinetics of FF‐10832 with those of gemcitabine. Despite the single intravenous administration, FF‐10832 treatment enabled long‐term survival of the lethal model mice as compared with those treated with gemcitabine. Pharmacokinetic analysis clarified that FF‐10832 could achieve a more effective gemcitabine delivery to peritoneal tumors owing to better stability in the circulation and ascites. The novel liposome‐encapsulated gemcitabine FF‐10832 may be a curative therapeutic tool for cancer patients with unresectable peritoneal dissemination via the effective delivery of gemcitabine to target tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamami Higuchi
- Department of Oncology Clinical Development, Gunma University, Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi, Japan.,Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Research Laboratories Research & Development Management Head Quarters, Fujifilm Corporation, Ashigarakami-gun, Japan
| | - Takehiko Yokobori
- Division of Integrated Oncology Research, Gunma University Initiative for Advanced Research (GIAR), Maebashi, Japan.,Department of Innovative Cancer Immunotherapy, Gunma University, Maebashi, Japan
| | - Ryo Takahashi
- Department of General Surgical Science, Gunma University, Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi, Japan
| | - Tomoharu Naito
- Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Research Laboratories Research & Development Management Head Quarters, Fujifilm Corporation, Ashigarakami-gun, Japan
| | - Hiromu Kitahara
- Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Research Laboratories Research & Development Management Head Quarters, Fujifilm Corporation, Ashigarakami-gun, Japan
| | - Takeshi Matsumoto
- Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Research Laboratories Research & Development Management Head Quarters, Fujifilm Corporation, Ashigarakami-gun, Japan
| | - Chihaya Kakinuma
- Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Research Laboratories Research & Development Management Head Quarters, Fujifilm Corporation, Ashigarakami-gun, Japan
| | - Shinji Hagiwara
- Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Research Laboratories Research & Development Management Head Quarters, Fujifilm Corporation, Ashigarakami-gun, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Kuwano
- Department of General Surgical Science, Gunma University, Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi, Japan
| | - Ken Shirabe
- Department of General Surgical Science, Gunma University, Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi, Japan
| | - Takayuki Asao
- Big Data Center for Integrative Analysis, Gunma University Initiative for Advanced Research (GIAR), Maebashi, Japan
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Xie Y, Wu L, Wang M, Cheng A, Yang Q, Wu Y, Jia R, Zhu D, Zhao X, Chen S, Liu M, Zhang S, Wang Y, Xu Z, Chen Z, Zhu L, Luo Q, Liu Y, Yu Y, Zhang L, Chen X. Alpha-Herpesvirus Thymidine Kinase Genes Mediate Viral Virulence and Are Potential Therapeutic Targets. Front Microbiol 2019; 10:941. [PMID: 31134006 PMCID: PMC6517553 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.00941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2019] [Accepted: 04/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Alpha-herpesvirus thymidine kinase (TK) genes are virulence-related genes and are nonessential for viral replication; they are often preferred target genes for the construction of gene-deleted attenuated vaccines and genetically engineered vectors for inserting and expressing foreign genes. The enzymes encoded by TK genes are key kinases in the nucleoside salvage pathway and have significant substrate diversity, especially the herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) TK enzyme, which phosphorylates four nucleosides and various nucleoside analogues. Hence, the HSV-1 TK gene is exploited for the treatment of viral infections, as a suicide gene in antitumor therapy, and even for the regulation of stem cell transplantation and treatment of parasitic infection. This review introduces the effects of α-herpesvirus TK genes on viral virulence and infection in the host and classifies and summarizes the current main application domains and potential uses of these genes. In particular, mechanisms of action, clinical limitations, and antiviral and antitumor therapy development strategies are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Xie
- Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China.,Avian Disease Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Liping Wu
- Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China.,Avian Disease Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Mingshu Wang
- Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China.,Avian Disease Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Anchun Cheng
- Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China.,Avian Disease Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Qiao Yang
- Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China.,Avian Disease Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Ying Wu
- Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China.,Avian Disease Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Renyong Jia
- Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China.,Avian Disease Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Dekang Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China.,Avian Disease Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - XinXin Zhao
- Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China.,Avian Disease Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Shun Chen
- Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China.,Avian Disease Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Mafeng Liu
- Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China.,Avian Disease Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Shaqiu Zhang
- Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China.,Avian Disease Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yin Wang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhiwen Xu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhengli Chen
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Ling Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Qihui Luo
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yunya Liu
- Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China.,Avian Disease Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yanling Yu
- Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China.,Avian Disease Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Ling Zhang
- Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China.,Avian Disease Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiaoyue Chen
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China.,Avian Disease Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
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11
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Wu JI, Wang LH. Emerging roles of gap junction proteins connexins in cancer metastasis, chemoresistance and clinical application. J Biomed Sci 2019; 26:8. [PMID: 30642339 PMCID: PMC6332853 DOI: 10.1186/s12929-019-0497-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2018] [Accepted: 01/02/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Connexin, a four-pass transmembrane protein, contributes to assembly of gap junctions among neighboring cells and thus facilitates gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC). Traditionally, the roles of connexins were thought to mediate formation of hemichannels and GJIC assembly for transportation of ions and small molecules. Many studies have observed loss of GJIC, due to reduced expression or altered cytoplasmic localization of connexins, in primary tumor cells. Connexins are generally considered tumor-suppressive. However, recent studies of clinical samples suggested a different role of connexins in that expression levels and membrane localization of connexins, including Connexin 43 (Cx43, GJA1) and Connexin 26 (Cx26, GJB2), were found to be enhanced in metastatic lesions of cancer patients. Cx43- and Cx26-mediated GJIC was found to promote cancer cell migration and adhesion to the pulmonary endothelium. Regulatory circuits involved in the induction of connexins and their functional effects have also been reported in various types of cancer. Connexins expressed in stromal cells were correlated with metastasis and were implicated in regulating metastatic behaviors of cancer cells. Recent studies have revealed that connexins can contribute to cellular phenotypes via multiple ways, namely 1) GJIC, 2) C-terminal tail-mediated signaling, and 3) cell-cell adhesion during gap junction formation. Both expression levels and the subcellular localization could participate determining the functional roles of connexins in cancer. Compounds targeting connexins were thus tested as potential therapeutics intervening metastasis or chemoresistance. This review focuses on the recent findings in the correlation between the expression of connexins and patients’ prognosis, their roles in metastasis and chemoresistance, as well as the implications and concerns of using connexin-targeting drugs as anti-metastatic therapeutics. Overall, connexins may serve as biomarkers for cancer prognosis and as therapeutic targets for intervening metastasis and chemoresistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun-I Wu
- Institute of Molecular and Genomic Medicine, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli County, Taiwan.,Department of Life Sciences, National Central University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Lu-Hai Wang
- Institute of Molecular and Genomic Medicine, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli County, Taiwan. .,Department of Life Sciences, National Central University, Taoyuan, Taiwan. .,Graduate Institute of Integrated Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan. .,Chinese Medical Research Center, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.
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12
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Gap Junction Intercellular Communication Positively Regulates Cisplatin Toxicity by Inducing DNA Damage through Bystander Signaling. Cancers (Basel) 2018; 10:cancers10100368. [PMID: 30279363 PMCID: PMC6210410 DOI: 10.3390/cancers10100368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2018] [Revised: 09/27/2018] [Accepted: 09/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The radiation-induced bystander effect (RIBE) can increase cellular toxicity in a gap junction dependent manner in unirradiated bystander cells. Recent reports have suggested that cisplatin toxicity can also be mediated by functional gap junction intercellular communication (GJIC). In this study using lung and ovarian cancer cell lines, we showed that cisplatin cytotoxicity is mediated by cellular density. This effect is ablated when GJA1 or Connexin 43 (Cx43) is targeted, a gap junction gene and protein, respectively, leading to cisplatin resistance but only at high or gap junction forming density. We also observed that the cisplatin-mediated bystander effect was elicited as DNA Double Strand Breaks (DSBs) with positive H2AX Ser139 phosphorylation (γH2AX) formation, an indicator of DNA DSBs. These DSBs are not observed when gap junction formation is prevented. We next showed that cisplatin is not the “death” signal traversing the gap junctions by utilizing the cisplatin-GG intrastrand adduct specific antibody. Finally, we also showed that cells deficient in the structure-specific DNA endonuclease ERCC1-ERCC4 (ERCC1-XPF), an important mediator of cisplatin resistance, further sensitized when treated with cisplatin in the presence of gap junction forming density. Taken together, these results demonstrate the positive effect of GJIC on increasing cisplatin cytotoxicity.
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Gadok AK, Zhao C, Meriwether AI, Ferrati S, Rowley TG, Zoldan J, Smyth HDC, Stachowiak JC. The Display of Single-Domain Antibodies on the Surfaces of Connectosomes Enables Gap Junction-Mediated Drug Delivery to Specific Cell Populations. Biochemistry 2018; 57:81-90. [PMID: 28829120 PMCID: PMC5880529 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.7b00688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Gap junctions, transmembrane protein channels that directly connect the cytoplasm of neighboring cells and enable the exchange of molecules between cells, are a promising new frontier for therapeutic delivery. Specifically, cell-derived lipid vesicles that contain functional gap junction channels, termed Connectosomes, have recently been demonstrated to substantially increase the effectiveness of small molecule chemotherapeutics. However, because gap junctions are present in nearly all tissues, Connectosomes have no intrinsic ability to target specific cell types, which potentially limits their therapeutic effectiveness. To address this challenge, here we display targeting ligands consisting of single-domain antibodies on the surfaces of Connectosomes. We demonstrate that these targeted Connectosomes selectively interact with cells that express a model receptor, promoting the selective delivery of the chemotherapeutic doxorubicin to this target cell population. More generally, our approach has the potential to boost cytoplasmic delivery of diverse therapeutic molecules to specific cell populations while protecting off-target cells, a critical step toward realizing the therapeutic potential of gap junctions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avinash K. Gadok
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX
| | - Chi Zhao
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX
| | - Amanda I. Meriwether
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX
| | - Silvia Ferrati
- College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX
| | - Tanner G. Rowley
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX
| | - Janet Zoldan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX
| | - Hugh D. C. Smyth
- College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX
| | - Jeanne C. Stachowiak
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX
- Institute for Cellular and Molecular Biology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX
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Konieczny P, Sułkowski M, Badyra B, Kijowski J, Majka M. Suicide gene therapy of rhabdomyosarcoma. Int J Oncol 2016; 50:597-605. [PMID: 28035376 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2016.3824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2016] [Accepted: 09/26/2016] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Rhabdomyosarcoma is the most common soft tissue sarcoma in childhood and young adulthood. Conventional treatment consisting of surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy can be insufficient, as long-term survival chances decrease dramatically when cancer recurrence occurs. Due to this fact, efficient treatment of this cancer is still a demanding issue, thus, novel and innovative therapies have to be considered as a part of combined treatment. In the present study, we present effective suicide gene therapy of rhabdomyosarcoma cell line Rh30 involving herpes simplex thymidine kinase (HSV-TK) and ganciclovir (GCV). Transduction of rhabdomyosarcoma cells using lentiviral vectors allowed efficient introduction of HSV-TK gene. In this study we proved high susceptibility of modified cells to ganciclovir resulting in eradication of cancer cells both in vitro and in vivo. Our data revealed strong gap junctional intercellular communication in examined cell line responsible for elimination of unmodified cells by bystander effect, even if HSV-TK-expressing cells comprise only 20% of cultured cells. Moreover, investigated approach is also efficient in vivo, where complete remission of tumors upon only 14 days of systemic administration of GCV can be observed. Obtained results suggest that HSV-TK suicide gene therapy is very promising concept in future clinical studies concerning rhabdomyosarcoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paweł Konieczny
- Department of Transplantation, Faculty of Clinical Immunology and Transplantation, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 30-663 Krakow, Poland
| | - Maciej Sułkowski
- Department of Transplantation, Faculty of Clinical Immunology and Transplantation, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 30-663 Krakow, Poland
| | - Bogna Badyra
- Department of Transplantation, Faculty of Clinical Immunology and Transplantation, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 30-663 Krakow, Poland
| | - Jacek Kijowski
- Department of Transplantation, Faculty of Clinical Immunology and Transplantation, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 30-663 Krakow, Poland
| | - Marcin Majka
- Department of Transplantation, Faculty of Clinical Immunology and Transplantation, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 30-663 Krakow, Poland
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15
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Zou ZW, Chen HJ, Yu JL, Huang ZH, Fang S, Lin XH. Gap junction composed of connexin43 modulates 5‑fluorouracil, oxaliplatin and irinotecan resistance on colorectal cancers. Mol Med Rep 2016; 14:4893-4900. [PMID: 27748862 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2016.5812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2015] [Accepted: 09/29/2016] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Chemotherapy is one of the most commonly used therapeutic strategies for metastatic colon cancer. However, the development of resistance to chemotherapeutic agents limits their application in clinical use. The underlying mechanisms of this resistance development require further elucidation. The current study investigated the effects of connexin43 (Cx43) gap junctions on 5‑fluorouracil (5‑FU), oxaliplatin and irinotecan in colon cancer cells. Three different methods were used to manipulate Cx43 gap junction function: i) Cell culture at different densities; ii) pretreatment with a Cx43 specific inhibitor or enhancer; and iii) Cx43 gene knock‑down. Results indicated that the cell toxicity of 5‑FU, oxaliplatin and irinotecan was cell density‑dependent, which was mediated by gap junctions. Downregulation of Cx43 gap junction functioning attenuated 5‑FU, oxaliplatin and irinotecan toxicity in colon cancer cells, which was increased in cells treated with a Cx43 gap junction function enhancer. Thus, the results of the present study suggest that resistance to 5‑FU, oxaliplatin and irinotecan in colon cancer cells was relative to Cx43 expression loss as cancer developed, which may indicate a novel basis for therapeutic strategy development to combat drug resistance in numerous cell types, in addition to colon cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhao-Wei Zou
- Department of General Surgery, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510282, P.R. China
| | - Hai-Jin Chen
- Department of General Surgery, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510282, P.R. China
| | - Jin-Long Yu
- Department of General Surgery, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510282, P.R. China
| | - Zong-Hai Huang
- Department of General Surgery, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510282, P.R. China
| | - Shun Fang
- Department of Pathology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510282, P.R. China
| | - Xiao-Hua Lin
- Department of General Surgery, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510282, P.R. China
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Gadok AK, Busch DJ, Ferrati S, Li B, Smyth HDC, Stachowiak JC. Connectosomes for Direct Molecular Delivery to the Cellular Cytoplasm. J Am Chem Soc 2016; 138:12833-12840. [DOI: 10.1021/jacs.6b05191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Avinash K. Gadok
- Department
of Biomedical Engineering, ‡College of Pharmacy,
and §Institute for Cellular
and Molecular Biology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
| | - David J. Busch
- Department
of Biomedical Engineering, ‡College of Pharmacy,
and §Institute for Cellular
and Molecular Biology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
| | - Silvia Ferrati
- Department
of Biomedical Engineering, ‡College of Pharmacy,
and §Institute for Cellular
and Molecular Biology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
| | - Brian Li
- Department
of Biomedical Engineering, ‡College of Pharmacy,
and §Institute for Cellular
and Molecular Biology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
| | - Hugh D. C. Smyth
- Department
of Biomedical Engineering, ‡College of Pharmacy,
and §Institute for Cellular
and Molecular Biology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
| | - Jeanne C. Stachowiak
- Department
of Biomedical Engineering, ‡College of Pharmacy,
and §Institute for Cellular
and Molecular Biology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
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17
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Chimeric adeno-associated virus and bacteriophage: a potential targeted gene therapy vector for malignant glioma. Ther Deliv 2016; 5:975-90. [PMID: 25375341 DOI: 10.4155/tde.14.58] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The incipient development of gene therapy for cancer has fuelled its progression from bench to bedside in mere decades. Of all malignancies that exist, gliomas are the largest class of brain tumors, and are renowned for their aggressiveness and resistance to therapy. In order for gene therapy to achieve clinical success, a multitude of barriers ranging from glioma tumor physiology to vector biology must be overcome. Many viral gene delivery systems have been subjected to clinical investigation; however, with highly limited success. In this review, the current progress and challenges of gene therapy for malignant glioma are discussed. Moreover, we highlight the hybrid adeno-associated virus and bacteriophage vector as a potential candidate for targeted gene delivery to brain tumors.
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18
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Arun S, Vanisree AJ, Ravisankar S. Connexin 30 downregulates Insulin-like growth factor receptor-1, abolishes Erk and potentiates effects of an IGF-R inhibitor in a glioma cell line. Brain Res 2016; 1643:80-90. [PMID: 27130897 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2016.04.061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2015] [Revised: 03/01/2016] [Accepted: 04/25/2016] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Connexins (Cx) play a crucial role in cell communication though regulation of cell growth and proliferation. In recent decades, both suppressive and enhancing roles of gap junction proteins in malignancy have been proposed, though mechanisms remain unclear. We intend to evaluate the impact of Cx30 on dysregulated growth of glioma owing to an aberrant expression of Insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (IGF-1R). The study also examined whether Cx30 expression influenced sensitivity of glioma cells to Picropodophyllin (PPP), the potent inhibitor of IGF-1R. C6 cells transfected with full length Cx30 resulted in complete abolition of colony-forming efficiency. Interestingly, PPP-supplemented cells behaved differently with and without exogenous Cx as confirmed by wound closure assay. The expressions of phosphorylated and unphosphorylated IGF-1R along with its key signaling enzymes, pAkt/pErk, were also varied significantly in transfected and non-transfected C6 cells. pIGF-1R and IGF-1R were significantly reduced on Cx30 transfection when compared with that of non-transfected cells. pErk expression was abolished in transfected C6 with no significant difference in the expression of pAkt. The potency of PPP against C6 was more pronounced in the presence of Cx30. We demonstrate that Cx30 has the potential to alter the IGF-1R mediated pathway thereby influencing the growth, proliferation and migration of glioma cells which could further enhance the effect of therapeutic intervention. Though it could not be corroborated that the observations made are due to Cx30-mediated channel-dependent and/or independent impact, we stress the impact of significance of Cx30 on IGF-1R in glioma and also in therapeutic aspects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sankaradoss Arun
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Madras, Guindy Campus, Chennai 600025, Tamilnadu, India
| | | | - Shantha Ravisankar
- Department of Neuropathology, Tamilnadu Multi specialty hospital, Chennai 600003, Tamilnadu, India
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19
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Wu L, Zhou WB, Shen F, Liu W, Wu HW, Zhou SJ, Li SW. Connexin32‑mediated antitumor effects of suicide gene therapy against hepatocellular carcinoma: In vitro and in vivo anticancer activity. Mol Med Rep 2016; 13:3213-9. [PMID: 26935255 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2016.4895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2015] [Accepted: 01/07/2016] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Normal hepatocytes express connexin32 (Cx32), which forms gap junctions at cell‑cell contact areas. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether Cx32 mediates the cell death‑inducing effects of ultrasound microbubbles carrying the herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase (HSV‑TK) suicide gene against hepatocellular carcinoma cells in vitro and in vivo. HepG2 cells were exposed to different concentrations of trans‑retinoic acid (ATRA) in culture, to evaluate the intrinsic antitumor effect of ATRA. Detailed in‑vitro and in‑vivo investigations on the antitumor effects of ATRA via Cx32 mediation were performed, and the possible underlying mechanisms of action of the compound were then examined. The gene expression of HSV‑TK transfected by ultrasound wave irradiation in the HepG2 cells was quantified using reverse transcription‑quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis. The effects on cell death were assessed using an MTT assay. The protein expression levels of Cx32 in ATRA‑untreated or ATRA‑treated tissues were quantified by immunohistochemical analysis and Western blot assays. The HSV‑TK gene was successfully transfected into the HepG2 cell using ultrasound wave irradiation, and was stably expressed. Compared with the other groups, the HSV‑TK gene group treated with ATRA exhibited an increased number of apoptotic cells (P<0.05) and improved tumor suppression (P<0.05). ATRA significantly increased the expression of Cx32 in the hepatoma tissues (P<0.01). The present study demonstrated that ATRA elevated the protein expression of Cx32 and enhanced the bystander effect of the HSV‑TK/GCV suicide gene therapy system, which may provide a potential strategy for hepatocellular carcinoma treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lun Wu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Experiment Center of Medicine, Dongfeng Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, Hubei 442001, P.R. China
| | - Wen-Bo Zhou
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Experiment Center of Medicine, Dongfeng Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, Hubei 442001, P.R. China
| | - Feng Shen
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Experiment Center of Medicine, Dongfeng Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, Hubei 442001, P.R. China
| | - Wei Liu
- Department of Obstetrics, Haikou Hospital of Maternal and Child Health, Haikou, Hainan 570100, P.R. China
| | - Hong-Wei Wu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Experiment Center of Medicine, Dongfeng Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, Hubei 442001, P.R. China
| | - Shi-Ji Zhou
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400010, P.R. China
| | - Sheng-Wei Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400010, P.R. China
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20
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Abstract
The pancreas produces enzymes with a digestive function and hormones with a metabolic function, which are produced by distinct cell types of acini and islets, respectively. Within these units, secretory cells coordinate their functioning by exchanging information via signals that flow in the intercellular spaces and are generated either at distance (several neural and hormonal inputs) or nearby the pancreatic cells themselves (inputs mediated by membrane ionic-specific channels and by ionic- and metabolite-permeant pannexin channels and connexin "hemichannels"). Pancreatic secretory cells further interact via the extracellular matrix of the pancreas (inputs mediated by integrins) and directly with neighboring cells, by mechanisms that do not require extracellular mediators (inputs mediated by gap and tight junction channels). Here, we review the expression and function of the connexins and pannexins that are expressed by the main secretory cells of the exocrine and endocrine pancreatic cells. Available data show that the patterns of expression of these proteins differ in acini and islets, supporting distinct functions in the physiological secretion of pancreatic enzymes and hormones. Circumstantial evidence further suggests that alterations in the signaling provided by these proteins are involved in pancreatic diseases.
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AduPARE1A and gemcitabine combined treatment trigger synergistic antitumor effects in pancreatic cancer through NF-κB mediated uPAR activation. Mol Cancer 2015; 14:146. [PMID: 26227809 PMCID: PMC4521493 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-015-0413-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2015] [Accepted: 07/15/2015] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Combined treatment of oncolytic adenoviruses with chemotherapeutic agents is foreseen as a therapeutic option for cancer. Here we have investigated the potential to use gemcitabine in combination with the oncolytic adenovirus AduPARE1A to treat pancreatic cancer and evaluate the underlying mechanism. METHODS We treated pancreatic cancer cell lines BxPC-3 and PANC-1 with AduPARE1A and gemcitabine individually or in combination and analyzed cell viability, combination index, apoptosis and viral production. We also investigated the effects of the combination on tumor growth and mice survival in two xenograft models. Furthermore, we analyzed uPAR promoter activity from different uPAR-controlled adenovirus and studied NF-κB mediated effects. RESULTS Synergistic cell killing from the combination AduPARE1A/Gemcitabine was observed in BxPC-3 and PANC-1 cells. Moreover, the combination treatment produced therapeutic benefits over either individual modality in two mouse models bearing orthotopic tumors, showing reduced tumor progression and significant prolonged mouse survival. Mechanistic studies showed that the synergistic cell death was not due to an increase in viral replication but occurred through an enhancement of apoptotic cell death. Gemcitabine stimulation increased the transcription of uPAR-controlled transgenes through the induction of NF-κB acting on the uPAR promoter. Interestingly, NF-κB gemcitabine-mediated induction of AduPAR adenoviruses interfered with the activation of NF-κB regulated genes, probably as a result of an intracellular competition for NF-κB DNA binding. Consequently, AduPARE1A infection sensitized cells to gemcitabine-induced apoptosis in the combined treatment. CONCLUSIONS These data highlights the potential of the combination as a treatment modality for pancreatic cancer patients.
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Yang J, Qin G, Luo M, Chen J, Zhang Q, Li L, Pan L, Qin S. Reciprocal positive regulation between Cx26 and PI3K/Akt pathway confers acquired gefitinib resistance in NSCLC cells via GJIC-independent induction of EMT. Cell Death Dis 2015. [PMID: 26203858 PMCID: PMC4650742 DOI: 10.1038/cddis.2015.197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Gefitinib efficiency in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) therapy is limited due to development of drug resistance. The molecular mechanisms of gefitinib resistance remain still unclear. In this study, we first found that connexin 26 (Cx26) is the predominant Cx isoform expressed in various NSCLC cell lines. Then, two gefitinib-resistant (GR) NSCLC cell lines, HCC827 GR and PC9 GR, from their parental cells were established. In these GR cells, the results showed that gefitinib resistance correlated with changes in cellular EMT phenotypes and upregulation of Cx26. Cx26 was detected to be accumulated in the cytoplasm and failed to establish functional gap-junctional intercellular communication (GJIC) either in GR cells or their parental cells. Ectopic expression of GJIC-deficient chimeric Cx26 was sufficient to induce EMT and gefitinib insensitivity in HCC827 and PC9 cells, while knockdown of Cx26 reversed EMT and gefitinib resistance in their GR cells both in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, Cx26 overexpression could activate PI3K/Akt signaling in these cells. Cx26-mediated EMT and gefitinib resistance were significantly blocked by inhibition of PI3K/Akt pathway. Specifically, inhibition of the constitutive activation of PI3K/Akt pathway substantially suppressed Cx26 expression, and Cx26 was confirmed to functionally interplay with PI3K/Akt signaling to promote EMT and gefitinib resistance in NSCLC cells. In conclusion, the reciprocal positive regulation between Cx26 and PI3K/Akt signaling contributes to acquired gefitinib resistance in NSCLC cells by promoting EMT via a GJIC-independent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Yang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Guangxi Medical University, 22 Shuangyong Road, Nanning 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - G Qin
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Guangxi Medical University, 22 Shuangyong Road, Nanning 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - M Luo
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Guangxi Medical University, 22 Shuangyong Road, Nanning 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - J Chen
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Cancer Hospital, Guangxi Medical University, 71 Hedi Road, Nanning 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Q Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Guangxi Medical University, 22 Shuangyong Road, Nanning 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - L Li
- Division of Pulmonary, Department of Medicine, Allergy and Critical Care, Lung Biology Laboratory, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - L Pan
- Nephrology Division, The First Affiliated Hospital, Guangxi Medical University, 6 Shuangyong Road, Nanning 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - S Qin
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Guangxi Medical University, 6 Shuangyong Road, Nanning 530021, Guangxi, China
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Luo C, Yuan D, Li X, Yao W, Luo G, Chi X, Li H, Irwin MG, Xia Z, Hei Z. Propofol attenuated acute kidney injury after orthotopic liver transplantation via inhibiting gap junction composed of connexin 32. Anesthesiology 2015; 122:72-86. [PMID: 25254904 DOI: 10.1097/aln.0000000000000448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Postliver transplantation acute kidney injury (AKI) severely affects patient survival, whereas the mechanism is unclear and effective therapy is lacking. The authors postulated that reperfusion induced enhancement of connexin32 (Cx32) gap junction plays a critical role in mediating postliver transplantation AKI and that pretreatment/precondition with the anesthetic propofol, known to inhibit gap junction, can confer effective protection. METHODS Male Sprague-Dawley rats underwent autologous orthotopic liver transplantation (AOLT) in the absence or presence of treatments with the selective Cx32 inhibitor, 2-aminoethoxydiphenyl borate or propofol (50 mg/kg) (n = 8 per group). Also, kidney tubular epithelial (NRK-52E) cells were subjected to hypoxia-reoxygenation and the function of Cx32 was manipulated by three distinct mechanisms: cell culture in different density; pretreatment with Cx32 inhibitors or enhancer; Cx32 gene knock-down (n = 4 to 5). RESULTS AOLT resulted in significant increases of renal Cx32 protein expression and gap junction, which were coincident with increases in oxidative stress and impairment in renal function and tissue injury as compared to sham group. Similarly, hypoxia-reoxygenation resulted in significant cellular injury manifested as reduced cell growth and increased lactate dehydrogenase release, which was significantly attenuated by Cx32 gene knock-down but exacerbated by Cx32 enhancement. Propofol inhibited Cx32 function and attenuated post-AOLT AKI. In NRK-52E cells, propofol reduced posthypoxic reactive oxygen species production and attenuated cellular injury, and the cellular protective effects of propofol were reinforced by Cx32 inhibition but cancelled by Cx32 enhancement. CONCLUSION Cx32 plays a critical role in AOLT-induced AKI and that inhibition of Cx32 function may represent a new and major mechanism whereby propofol reduces oxidative stress and subsequently attenuates post-AOLT AKI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenfang Luo
- From the Department of Anesthesiology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China (C.L., D.Y., X.L., W.Y., G.L., X.C., Z.H.); and Department of Anesthesiology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China (H.L., M.G.I., Z.X.)
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Kim YJ, Kim J, Tian C, Lim HJ, Kim YS, Chung JH, Choung YH. Prevention of cisplatin-induced ototoxicity by the inhibition of gap junctional intercellular communication in auditory cells. Cell Mol Life Sci 2014; 71:3859-71. [PMID: 24623558 PMCID: PMC11113131 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-014-1594-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2013] [Revised: 02/02/2014] [Accepted: 02/21/2014] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Cis-diamminedichloroplatinum (cisplatin) is an effective chemotherapeutic drug for cancer therapy. However, most patients treated with cisplatin are at a high risk of ototoxicity, which causes severe hearing loss. Inspired by the "Good Samaritan effect" or "bystander effect" from gap junction coupling, we investigated the role of gap junctions in cisplatin-induced ototoxicity as a potential therapeutic method. We showed that connexin 43 (Cx43) was highly expressed in House Ear Institute-Organ of Corti 1 (HEI-OC1) cells, mediating cell-cell communication. The viability of HEI-OC1 cells was greatly decreased by cisplatin treatment, and cisplatin-treated HEI-OC1 cells showed lower Cx43 expression compared to that of untreated HEI-OC1 cells. In particular, high accumulation of Cx43 was observed around the nucleus of cisplatin-treated cells, whereas scattered punctuate expression of Cx43 was observed in the cytoplasm and membrane in normal cells, suggesting that cisplatin may interrupt the normal gap junction communication by inhibiting the trafficking of Cx43 to cell membranes in HEI-OC1 cells. Interestingly, we found that the inhibition of gap junction activity reduced cisplatin-induced apoptosis of auditory hair cells. Cx43 siRNA- or 18α-GA-treated HEI-OC1 cells showed higher cell viability compared to control HEI-OC1 cells during cisplatin treatment; this was also supported by fluorescence recovery after photobleaching studies. Inhibition of gap junction activity reduced recovery of calcein acetoxymethyl ester fluorescence compared to control cells. Additionally, analysis of the mechanisms involved demonstrated that highly activate extracellular signal-regulated kinase and protein kinase B, combined with inhibition of gap junctions may promote cell viability during cisplatin treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yeon Ju Kim
- Department of Otolaryngology, Ajou University School of Medicine, San 5 Woncheon-dong, Yeongtong-gu, Suwon, 443-721 Republic of Korea
| | - Jangho Kim
- Department of Biosystems & Biomaterials Science and Engineering, Seoul National University, Seoul, 151-742 Republic of Korea
| | - Chunjie Tian
- Department of Otolaryngology, Ajou University School of Medicine, San 5 Woncheon-dong, Yeongtong-gu, Suwon, 443-721 Republic of Korea
| | - Hye Jin Lim
- Department of Otolaryngology, Ajou University School of Medicine, San 5 Woncheon-dong, Yeongtong-gu, Suwon, 443-721 Republic of Korea
| | - Young Sun Kim
- Department of Otolaryngology, Ajou University School of Medicine, San 5 Woncheon-dong, Yeongtong-gu, Suwon, 443-721 Republic of Korea
| | - Jong Hoon Chung
- Department of Biosystems & Biomaterials Science and Engineering, Seoul National University, Seoul, 151-742 Republic of Korea
| | - Yun-Hoon Choung
- Department of Otolaryngology, Ajou University School of Medicine, San 5 Woncheon-dong, Yeongtong-gu, Suwon, 443-721 Republic of Korea
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José A, Rovira-Rigau M, Luna J, Giménez-Alejandre M, Vaquero E, García de la Torre B, Andreu D, Alemany R, Fillat C. A genetic fiber modification to achieve matrix-metalloprotease-activated infectivity of oncolytic adenovirus. J Control Release 2014; 192:148-56. [PMID: 25037019 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2014.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2014] [Revised: 06/13/2014] [Accepted: 07/08/2014] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Selective tumor targeting of oncolytic adenovirus at the level of cell entry remains a major challenge to improve efficacy and safety. Matrix metalloproteases (MMPs) are overexpressed in a variety of tumors and in particular in pancreatic cancer. In the current work, we have exploited the expression of MMPs together with the penetration capabilities of a TAT-like peptide to engineer tumor selective adenoviruses. We have generated adenoviruses containing CAR-binding ablated fibers further modified with a C-terminus TAT-like peptide linked to a blocking domain by an MMP-cleavable sequence. This linker resulted in a MMP-dependent cell transduction of the reporter MMP-activatable virus AdTATMMP and in efficient transduction of neoplastic cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts. Intravenous and intraductal administration of AdTATMMP into mice showed very low AdTATMMP activity in the normal pancreas, whereas increased transduction was observed in pancreatic tumors of transgenic Ela-myc mice. Intraductal administration of AdTATMMP into mice bearing orthotopic tumors led to a 25-fold increase in tumor targeting compared to the wild type fiber control. A replication competent adenovirus, Ad(RC)MMP, with the MMP-activatable fiber showed oncolytic efficacy and increased antitumor activity compared to Adwt in a pancreatic orthotopic model. Reduced local and distant metastases were observed in Ad(RC)MMP treated-mice. Moreover, no signs of pancreatic toxicity were detected. We conclude that MMP-activatable adenovirus may be beneficial for pancreatic cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anabel José
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi iSunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Maria Rovira-Rigau
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi iSunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jeroni Luna
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi iSunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marta Giménez-Alejandre
- Laboratori de Recerca Traslacional IDIBELL, Institut Català d'Oncologia, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain
| | - Eva Vaquero
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi iSunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain; Department of Gastroenterology, Institut de Malalties Digestives i Metabòliques, Hospital Clínic, Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de enfermedades hepáticas y digestivas (CIBERehd), Barcelona, Spain
| | | | | | - Ramon Alemany
- Laboratori de Recerca Traslacional IDIBELL, Institut Català d'Oncologia, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain
| | - Cristina Fillat
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi iSunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Barcelona, Spain.
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Wang Y, Wang Q, Zhang S, Zhang Y, Tao L. Baicalein increases the cytotoxicity of cisplatin by enhancing gap junction intercellular communication. Mol Med Rep 2014; 10:515-21. [PMID: 24736991 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2014.2157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2013] [Accepted: 03/12/2014] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Drug resistance limits the clinical application of cisplatin, a widely used chemotherapeutic agent. Gap junction (GJ) is a channel that enhances cytotoxicity of certain chemotherapeutic agents. Baicalein is well known for its antitumor activity. This study investigated the effect of baicalein on cisplatin cytotoxicity and the relationship between this effect and the modulation of the GJ function in connexin 26 (Cx26)‑transfected HeLa cells. The sulforhodamine B (SRB) assay was used to examine the effect of baicalein on cell viability. A 'parachute' assay was used to investigate the effect of baicalein on GJ function. The effects of baicalein on cisplatin cytotoxicity and GJ function were assayed by standard colony‑forming assays. The expression of Cx26 was monitored by western blotting. It was observed that exposure of Cx26‑transfected cells to cisplatin reduced the number of colonies formed in low‑density cultures (no GJ formation) and in high‑density cultures (GJ formation), but the toxic effect was greater when cells were seeded at a high density. In the absence of connexin expression or with blockage of connexin channels however, cell density had no effect on cisplatin toxicity. Baicalein significantly enhanced cisplatin cytotoxicity, but this effect required the presence of functional GJs between the cells. In conclusion, the dependence of cisplatin toxicity on cell density is mediated by GJs. Baicalein increases cisplatin cytotoxicity through enhancing GJ intercellular communication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiwen Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, Sun Yat‑Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat‑Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510120, P.R. China
| | - Qin Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat‑Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, P.R. China
| | - Suzhi Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat‑Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, P.R. China
| | - Yuan Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat‑Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, P.R. China
| | - Liang Tao
- Department of Pharmacology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat‑Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, P.R. China
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27
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José A, Sobrevals L, Miguel Camacho-Sánchez J, Huch M, Andreu N, Ayuso E, Navarro P, Alemany R, Fillat C. Intraductal delivery of adenoviruses targets pancreatic tumors in transgenic Ela-myc mice and orthotopic xenografts. Oncotarget 2013; 4:94-105. [PMID: 23328228 PMCID: PMC3702210 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Gene-based anticancer therapies delivered by adenoviruses are limited by the poor viral distribution into the tumor. In the current work we have explored the feasibility of targeting pancreatic tumors through a loco-regional route. We have taken advantage of the ductal network in the pancreas to retrogradelly inject adenoviruses through the common bile duct in two different mouse models of pancreatic carcinogenesis: The transgenic Ela-myc mice that develop mixed neoplasms displaying both acinar-like and duct-like neoplastic cells affecting the whole pancreas; and mice bearing PANC-1 and BxPC-3 orthotopic xenografts that constitute a model of localized human neoplastic tumors. We studied tumor targeting and the anticancer effects of newly thymidine kinase-engineered adenoviruses both in vitro and in vivo, and conducted comparative studies between intraductal or intravenous administration. Our data indicate that the intraductal delivery of adenovirus efficiently targets pancreatic tumors in the two mouse models. The in vivo application of AduPARTKT plus ganciclovir (GCV) treatment induced tumor regression in Ela-myc mice. Moreover, the intraductal injection of ICOVIR15-TKT oncolytic adenoviruses significantly improved mean survival of mice bearing PANC-1 and BxPC-3 pancreatic xenografts from 30 to 52 days and from 20 to 68 days respectively (p less than 0.0001) when combined with GCV. Of notice, both AduPARTKT and ICOVIR15-TKT antitumoral responses were stronger by ductal viral application than intravenously, in line with the 38-fold increase in pancreas transduction observed upon ductal administration. In summary our data show that cytotoxic adenoviruses retrogradelly injected to the pancreas can be a feasible approach to treat localized pancreatic tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anabel José
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer IDIBAPS, Barcelona, Spain
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28
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Xiao J, Zhang G, Qiu P, Liu X, Wu Y, Du B, Li J, Zhou J, Li J, Tan Y. Tanshinone IIA increases the bystander effect of herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase/ganciclovir gene therapy via enhanced gap junctional intercellular communication. PLoS One 2013; 8:e67662. [PMID: 23861780 PMCID: PMC3701623 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0067662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2013] [Accepted: 05/22/2013] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The bystander effect is an intriguing phenomenon by which adjacent cells become sensitized to drug treatment during gene therapy with herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase/ganciclovir (HSV-tk/GCV). This effect is reported to be mediated by gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC), and therefore, we postulated that upregulation of genes that facilitate GJIC may enhance the HSV-tk/GCV bystander effect. Previous findings have shown Tanshinone IIA (Tan IIA), a chemical substance derived from a Chinese medicine herb, promotes the upregulation of the connexins Cx26 and Cx43 in B16 cells. Because gap junctions are formed by connexins, we hypothesized that Tan IIA might increase GJIC. Our results show that Tan IIA increased GJIC in B16 melanoma cells, leading to more efficient GCV-induced bystander killing in cells stably expressing HSV-tk. Additionally, in vivo experiments demonstrated that tumors in mice with 10% HSV-tk positive B16 cells and 90% wild-type B16 cells became smaller following treatment with the combination of GCV and Tan IIA as compared to GCV or Tan IIA alone. These data demonstrate that Tan IIA can augment the bystander effect of HSV-tk/GCV system through increased gap junction coupling, which adds strength to the promising strategy that develops connexins inducer to potentiate the effects of suicide gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianyong Xiao
- Department of Biochemistry, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Guangxian Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Pengxiang Qiu
- Department of Biochemistry, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xijuan Liu
- Department of Biochemistry, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yingya Wu
- Department of Biochemistry, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Biaoyan Du
- Department of Pathology, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiefen Li
- Department of Biochemistry, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jing Zhou
- Department of Biochemistry, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jingjing Li
- Department of Biochemistry, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuhui Tan
- Department of Biochemistry, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
- * E-mail:
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29
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Changes in connexin43 expression and localization during pancreatic cancer progression. J Membr Biol 2012; 245:255-62. [PMID: 22729649 DOI: 10.1007/s00232-012-9446-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2012] [Accepted: 06/01/2012] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Gap junctions and gap junction communication have long been recognized to play roles in tissue organization and remodeling through both cell autonomous and intercellular means. We hypothesized that these processes become dysregulated during pancreas cancer progression. Molecular and histological characterization of the gap junction protein, connexin43, during progression of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma could yield insight into how these events may contribute to or be modulated during carcinogenesis. In a mouse model of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma generated through targeted endogenous expression of Kras(G12D) in the murine pancreas, we examined the evolving expression and localization of connexin43. Overall, connexin43 expression increased over time, and its localization became more widespread. At early stages, connexin43 is found almost exclusively in association with the basolateral membrane of duct cells found in invasive lesions. Connexin43 became increasingly associated with the surrounding stroma over time. Connexin43 phosphorylation was also altered during tumorigenesis, as assessed by migrational changes of the protein in immunoblots. These data suggest a potential role for gap junctions and connexin43 in mediating interactions between and amongst the stromal and epithelial cells in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.
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30
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Elhassan MO, Christie J, Duxbury MS. Homo sapiens systemic RNA interference-defective-1 transmembrane family member 1 (SIDT1) protein mediates contact-dependent small RNA transfer and microRNA-21-driven chemoresistance. J Biol Chem 2011; 287:5267-77. [PMID: 22174421 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m111.318865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Locally initiated RNA interference (RNAi) has the potential for spatial propagation, inducing posttranscriptional gene silencing in distant cells. In Caenorhabditis elegans, systemic RNAi requires a phylogenetically conserved transmembrane channel, SID-1. Here, we show that a human SID-1 orthologue, SIDT1, facilitates rapid, contact-dependent, bidirectional small RNA transfer between human cells, resulting in target-specific non-cell-autonomous RNAi. Intercellular small RNA transfer can be both homotypic and heterotypic. We show SIDT1-mediated intercellular transfer of microRNA-21 to be a driver of resistance to the nucleoside analog gemcitabine in human adenocarcinoma cells. Documentation of a SIDT1-dependent small RNA transfer mechanism and the associated phenotypic effects on chemoresistance in human cancer cells raises the possibility that conserved systemic RNAi pathways contribute to the acquisition of drug resistance. Mediators of non-cell-autonomous RNAi may be tractable targets for novel therapies aimed at improving the efficacy of current cytotoxic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed O Elhassan
- Clinical Surgery, University of Edinburgh, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SA, Scotland, United Kingdom
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31
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Hong X, Wang Q, Yang Y, Zheng S, Tong X, Zhang S, Tao L, Harris AL. Gap junctions propagate opposite effects in normal and tumor testicular cells in response to cisplatin. Cancer Lett 2011; 317:165-71. [PMID: 22115964 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2011.11.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2011] [Revised: 11/16/2011] [Accepted: 11/16/2011] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Gap junctions propagate toxic effects among tumor cells during chemotherapy, but could also enhance killing of normal cells by the same mechanism. We show that the effect of gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC) on cisplatin toxicity differs between normal and tumor testicular cells. Downregulation of GJIC by each of several different manipulations (no cell contact, pharmacological inhibition, siRNA suppression) decreased cisplatin cytoxicity in tumor cells but enhanced it in normal cells. Enhanced toxicity due to GJIC downregulation in normal cells correlated with increased DNA interstrand crosslinks. Thus, GJIC protects normal cells from cisplatin toxicity while enhancing it in tumor cells, suggesting that enhancement/maintenance of GJIC increases therapeutic efficacy while decreasing off-target toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoting Hong
- Department of Pharmacology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510080, People's Republic of China
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